Claddagh has been a part of Irish tradition since the 17th century, and its design of hands clasping a heart is symbolic of love and friendship, while the crown on the heart is a symbol of loyalty. One historical tale tells the story of a fisherman from Ireland who was separated from his love for many years while being held against his will and upon returning home after being set free, found that his lady had stayed true to him after all that time. In return, he gave her this ring to symbolize his feeling that they were one. Since that time, Claddagh rings have taken special meaning of conveying one's love of another person, or availability for love and have even become a symbol of representing one's Irish heritage.